January 2005
30th January . Warrington 26 Salford 24.Martin Gleeson made his Wire debut on Sunday as Wire edged out Salford 26-24 in a pre-season friendly. The Great Britain centre missed the last four months of Super League IX . Gleeson failed to get on the scoresheet but two late tries from full-back Brent Grose helped give the Wolves victory. Full-back Karl Fitzpatrick scored a first-half hat-trick of tries for the visitors as they made a storming start.Warrington 1 Brent Grose ,2HenryFa'afili 3 Martin Gleeson 4 Ben Westwood 5 Dean Gaskell 6 Lee Briers C) 7 Nat Wood 8 Danny Lima 9 Jon Clarke 10 Mark Hilton 11 Logan Swann 12MikeWainwright 13 Simon Grix Subs (all used) 14 Graham Appo 15 Mark Gleeson 16 Paul Wood 17 Warren Stevens 18 Andy Bracek 19 Steve Pickersgill 20 Toa Kohe-Love Tries: Bracek (32), Westwood (49), Fa'afili (54), Grose (74. 78) Goals: Briers 3/5 Sin bin: Lima (61) -fighting .Salford, 1 Karl Fitzpatrick 2 Anthony Stewart 3 Stuart Littler 4 Nathan McAvoy 5 David Hodgson 6 Cliff Beverley 7 Luke Robinson 8 Paul Highton 9 Malcolm Alker 10Sean Rutgerson 11 lanSibbit 12MarkShipway 13 Tim Jonkers Subs (all used) 14 Chris Charles 15 Kevin McGuinness 16Gareth Haggerty 17 Stuart Dickens 18 Neil Baynes 19 Andy Brocklehurst 20 Jon Clough 21 Andy Coley Tries: Fitzpatrick (6,13, 40), Haggerty (59) Goals: Robinson 3/3, Fitzpatrick 1/1 .Half-time: 4-18 Referee: Steve Ganson (St Helens) Attendance: 4,323
Super League X: Round 2 Warrington Wolves v Leigh Centurions Sunday 20th February 2005, kick off 3:00pm Tickets for the Wolves opening Super League fixture against Leigh Centurions on February 20th are now on sale. Following last season's 'lock-out' at the first ever game at The Halliwell Jones Stadium, Wolves fans are being urged to act quickly to avoid disappointment. Community and Marketing Manager, Sean Mellor commented, "With the slightly reduced stadium capacity for the club to meet with all the Health and Safety requirements, the increased uptake of Season Tickets and the allocation of the West Stand to our visitors from Leigh, there are actually only 4,000 available to Wolves fans for our opening fixture. That sounds like quite a lot of tickets until one realises that Wolves fans snapped up over twice that figure for last Season's 'Home Opener'." North - Adult: £20 Concession & Junior: £12 East - Adult: £16 Concession & Junior: £8 West - Adult: £14 Concession & Junior: £8 South - Adult: £14 Concession & Junior: £8 TICKET HOTLINE: 01925 248888 Wolfware is open Monday-Saturday 9.00am-5.00pm .
28th February.Wolves Build Bridge Warrington Wolves have signed Chris Bridge, 20 from Bradford Bulls on a 3 year deal after he underwent an arthroscope on his ankle following a medical. Chris, a halfback made 14 apps last season scoring 4 tries and 6 goals (28 points). Former clubs include Huddersfield Giants. An Oldham product he represented England Academy in both their victories over the Australian Schoolboys and took the man of the Match Award in the Under 21's Grand Final in 2003. He missed last season's final through injury. A player touted with great pace and vision. Head Coach Paul Cullen commented, "We are delighted to add yet another outstanding prospect to our ranks, we believe that Chris Bridge has international potential and we offer him every facility to achieve that." Chris decided to move to Warrington as "it is a club on the move and I want to be part of it." DOB: 5/07/84 Height: 6ft 0in Weight: 12st 12lb Squad Number: 25
27th February. Six months after signing for Warrington Wolves, Martin Gleeson's debut day arrives this weekend and a huge crowd is expected to welcome him and fellow new boy Logan Swann to The Halliwell Jones Stadium. It has been a long wait for eager Wolves fans, who have seen their new hero Gleeson unusually play for his country before his club, but he explodes on to the scene in the final pre-season friendly against Salford City Reds on Sunday, kick-off 3pm. While the Salford match is important to Wolves for the progression of their build-up to the new campaign, all eyes in the stands are set to be transfixed on the club's record signing and Great Britain international Gleeson - who head coach Paul Cullen considers to be the best right centre in the world. Wolves suffered in the clinical finishing department last year but Gleeson has devastating power, electric speed off the mark and side-stepping skills to bamboozle the best of markers. And with Toa Kohe-Love also returning to the club to contest the left centre spot, some exciting times are ahead for Wolves fans. Gleeson's presence in the Wolves 2005 team is a mouthwatering prospect and a sure sign that Cullen, backed hy major shareholder Simon Moran's cash, is setting his ambitions high for the club. The fact that Warrington were even in the market for Gleeson, when he became available, was enough proof for most primrose and blue supporters that the club are back in the big time as contenders for trophies rather than 'also rans.' Wolves signed Gleeson from St Helens last July and paid for him a reported £200,000 transfer fee, although Warrington Guardian understands the figure was much higher and closer to £270,000. He was captured while serving a four-month ban which he received for betting against his own St Helens side to lose at Bradford Bulls last Easter. When Gleeson's ban ended in October, Great Britain head coach Brian Noble had no hesitation in calling on the 24-year-old's outstanding talent to spearhead attacking raids against Australia and New Zealand in the Tri-Nations tournament. After all, he had been outstanding in the first half of the season for Saints and was one of their most lethal weapons in their run to winning the Powergen Challenge Cup. During the Tri-Nations, the former Huddersfield centre formed a formidable right-sided partnership with Wigan's Brian Carney. Wolves are looking for him to do the same for them on the right, in partnership with New Zealand international winger Henry Fa'afili and with support from Kiwi Test back rower Swann and skipper Lee Briers. Cullen's squad men are due to return from a week of warm weather training in Lanzarote today, Thursday, and Cullen is expected to field as strong a team as possible against Salford. He is likely to leave out first strike props Chris Leikvoll and Mark Hilton, full back Daryl Cardiss and loose forward Paul Noone to allow them further time to recover from injuries. They are all expected to be fit for the first Super League game at London Broncos on February 13. Mark Gleeson, Martin's younger brother, has been 'training the house down' in Lanzarote and is set to play his first game since a shoulder operation in the close season. Toa Kohe-Love is in the squad to play although he ended up not travelling to Lanzarote. The New Zealander arrived at the airport but his phobia of flying got the better of him. • Cullen said: "Toa has a real phobia and fear of flying and we thought it best not to raise his anxiety levels any more than they already were. "It's a decision Toa made with our consent. If a phobia about flying is that bad, he's better where he is in a more relaxed situation. "So he's trained with the under 21s this week. "In Lanzarote, the guys are training very well and we're benefiting from the weather and training environment. Everything's going exceptionally well. Sourced from Warrington Guardian Mike Parsons.
Squad Named for Salford Head Coach Paul Cullen has named his squad to face Salford City Reds in Sunday's friendly, the last Wolves friendly before the kick off of the Super League X season. Brent Grose Graham Appo Henry Fa'afili Martin Gleeson (D) Ben Westwood Toa Kohe Love Dean Gaskell Phil Berry Lee Briers (C) Nathan Wood (first game of 2005) Danny Lima Paul Wood Steve Pickersgill Warrant Stevens Jon Clarke Mark Gleeson (returns from a shoulder injury) Mike Wainwright Logan Swann (D) Andy Bracek Simon Grix INJURY UPDATE: Mark Hilton (nose) Chris Leikvoll (back) Paul Noone (eye) Daryl Cardiss (hamstring) All are expected to be fully recovered and available for selection when Warrington take on London Broncos in Round 1 of Super League on Sunday 13th February, 2005 at Brentford. Head Coach Paul Cullen made the following comment regarding injuries, the warm winter training in Lanzarote and Toa Kohe Love not joining them on the trip, from which the team return from tonight, "Those who have travelled with injury concerns have gone well this week. If striving for peak performance includes reducing anxiety levels and if that excludes a plane ride because of a serious phobia then so be it."
THE new summertime Warrington Wizards Rugby League Club wish to work in harmony with amateur clubs in the town not as rivals! That was the message being spelt out by Wizards committee member Lionel Hurst at the official launch of the National League Three and North West Conference club in Grappenhall on Monday night. Warrington Wizards is the new identity of the former Warrington Woolston Rovers team which took up the request to join the Rugby Football League's pyramid structure two years ago and reached the Grand Final of NL Three's opening two seasons. Hurst said: "Warrington Wizards are not in any way in conflict with the town's amateur teams Bank Quay Bulls, Burtonwood, Crosfields, Culcheth, Grappenhall, Latchford Albion, Rylands and Weaverham who play in the winter. "The Wizards are a summer entity and we want to work in harmony with them. The Wizards are a town team and are representative of the town. We hope that our presence will stimulate more young people to play the game, and then we'll encourage them to go to the community clubs that I've outlined. "Whatever we have as resources, both on or off the field of play in any area of personnel or wisdom or knowledge, they can tap into it. They can share it with us and regard us as mutual friends." The Wizards' first game will be against Sharlston Rovers in the Powergen Challenge Cup first round on February 5 at 5 Wilderspool, kick-off 1.30pm. The Wizards will then take part in the Northern Rail Cup and will be in Group Six bidding for a place in the quarter-finals with the NL One and Two professional clubs. In the Northern Rail Cup they will play Bradford Dudley Hill at Wilderspool on February 12, Bramley Buffaloes away on February 27, Hemel Stags at home on March 5, Bramley at home on March 12, Bradford away on March 19 and Hemel away on March 26. Their opening game in NL Three will be on April 2 away to Coventry Bears, who beat Warrington Woolston Rovers in last year's Grand Final. The Wizards, who are coached by Eddie Harris, have similar playing personnel to last season under the Rovers banner but they have been joined by the Geritas brothers, Shaun and Barren, plus a number of Australians. Full back Mark Roughneen was one of the stars of the 2004 campaign as he scored 36 tries in 15 appearances but missed out on October's Grand Final appearance, for the second year running, due to injury. He said: "It was disappointing to miss out. I broke a bone in my hand and it had to be plated. It was a bit nasty but I'm back to full fitness now and raring to go "Playing in the Challenge Cup and the Northern Rail Cup is exciting as it gives us a chance to play against better sides and see what level we are at. As players we want to play against the best and this is the way to do it." A second Wizards team will play in the North West Conference and their season will start on May 7.
WARRINGTON'S season of Lancashire Cup glory was confirmed three times over at the weekend. Rylands under 18s and Latchford Albion Unicorns under 16s Rugby League teams brought silverware home from their finals to add to Bank Quay Bulls' open age success in December. Division One side Rylands swept to success 7-6 after a titanic contest against North West Counties Premiership leaders and cup holders Black-brook. Latchford confirmed their Premier Division leadership status by defeating Widnes St Maries 24-6 in a tough contest. Both finals took place at Wigan St Patricks' ground in front of large crowds. In the under 18s final, Rylands were first on the scoreboard with a well worked try by Kyle Hilhnan but Blackbrook hit back with a converted touch down on the stroke of half-time. Player of the match Chris Forster, son of ex-Wolves winger Mark, kicked a penalty goal to even the scores and then kicked a drop goal in extra time. Rylands team: Kyle Hilhnan; Ryan Fieldhouse, Chris Johnson, Stephen Price, Ashley Francis; James Howard, Chris Forster; Christian Ftoggatt, Antho- ny Brahte, Lee Caldwell, Jonny Walker, Ryan Douglas, Gary Hewitt. Subs: Jason Garrathy, Jason Murray, Jamte Rome, James Kyle. In the under 16s final, Widnes took the lead with a try after some early pressure. Steve Moorcroft wriggled, spun and then released the ball at the last minute to Josh Hough, who scored near the posts for a deserved Latchford try. Anthony Kelly added the extras. Latchford started to dominate the second half as the football flowed and Anthony pounced on a kick for a try which he converted himself. Player of the match Barren Hill killed off any hopes of a Widnes revival when he scooted and scored. Lee Mitchell dropped on a loose ball for the final try. Latchford team: Josh Hough, C Hlgham, J Smith, S Fisher, G Grindley, Anthony Kelly, Damn Hill, B Mellor, J Gandy, T Keddie, Steve Moorcroft, M Cooper, Lee Mitchell, P Leatherbarrow, C Thompson, S Coleman.
THE stage is set for Warrington's Halliwell Jones Stadium to hold England's semi-final in Euro 2005. If Hope Powell's England side finish top of Group A in June's UEFA Women's Championship they will play the runners up of Group B in Warrington. England, who qualified automatically as the host nation, will be pushed to the limits though in their group matches against the championship second favourites Sweden, dark horses Denmark and newcomers Finland, who England will meet in the official opening game at the City of Manchester stadium on June 5. The Halliwell Jones Stadium will host three Group B matches, starting with the titanic battle between three-times champions and holders Germany against third favourites Norway, and to have England in town for the semi-finals would be the icing on the cake. Powell is not keen to make any predictions of finishing positions at this stage but did say: "I really hope the girls go out there and make a good show of themselves. "It's been two years since we played our last competitive matches. We've got a young squad that, over the last two years, we've had the opportunity to experiment with and try new things. The two-year gap of preparation will have hopefully done us some good. "Looking at the two groups, both are very hard. Each game will be very tough and we're simply aiming to do our best." Germany, who are also the world champions, will open Group B by playing their arch-rivals Norway at The Halliwell Jones Stadium on Monday, June 6, kick-off 6pm. The stadium's other games are France versus Norway on Thursday, June 9, kick-off 8pm, and Germany against France, which could be the group decider, on Sunday, June 12, kick-off 3pm. Warrington Wolves' home will be the setting for the second semi-final on Thursday, June 16. The match will kick-off at 6.30pm. Those already converted to watching the women's game will need no second invitation to attend some of the 15 matches, all of which take place in the north west. But the championship bosses UEFA and the hosts, the Football Association, will be doing all they can to attract newcomers to the game as supporters and players. Sports minister Richard Caborn MP said at Wednesday's draw ceremony: "I know that around this region and indeed beyond, that we are going to be contacting all the schools, youth clubs and the community groups to make sure that they are participating, both in terms of watching the matches and in the wider development of sport, particularly football." Warrington Wolves were thanked at the ceremony for lending their facilities to the major championship. Geoff Thompson, the chairman of the FA, said: "Manchester City, Blackburn Rovers, Preston North End, Blackpool and Warrington Wolves will be hosts to the games over a 15-day period between June 5-19 and I'd like to express my thanks to those clubs for becoming part of what will be a real festival of football." The FA hope that tickets will go on sale by the end of February and interested supporters can pre-register their interest for tickets at www.thefa.com/Euro2005/Tickets/ Match schedule: Group A: Sweden v Denmark, at Blackpool, June 5, 5pm; England v Finland, City of Manchester Stadium, June 5, 7pm; Denmark v England, at Blackburn, June 8,6pm; Sweden v Finland, at Blackpool, June 8, 8pm; England v Sweden, at Blackburn, June 11, 6pm; Finland v Denmark, at Blackpool, Jura'11,6pm. Group B: Germany v Norway, at Warrington, June 6, 6pm; France v Italy, at Preston, June 6, 8pm; Italy v Germany, at Preston, June 9, 6pm; France v Norway, at Warrington, June 9, 8pm; Germany v France, at Warrington, June 12,3pm; Norway v Italy, at Preston, June 12, 3pm. Semi-finals; Winner of Group B v runner-up of Group A at Preston, June 15, 6.30pm; winner of Group A v runner-up of Group B, at Warrington, June 16, 6.30pm. Final: To take place at Blackburn on June 19, 3.15pm.
23rd January. Season Ticket Collection Wolfware are requesting that people who live locally to collect their season tickets prior to the first home game against Leigh Centurions on Sunday 20th February 2005. Wolfware is open: Monday-Saturday 9:00pm-5:00pm For more information call 01925 248888.
Under 21's Match v Cambridge This weekends U21 friendly due to be played at Wilderspool against Cambridge University has been cancelled.
Tsunami Bucket Collection Wolves v Whitehaven Raised £831.55 for the DEC Tsunami Appeal Warrington Wolves held a bucket collection at their match against Whitehaven yesterday at The Halliwell Jones Stadium and raised £831.55 for the DEC Tsunami Appeal from a crowd of 2,816. Warrington Wolves would like to thank everyone for their donations.
20th January.THE message from the Warrington Wolves camp this week is 'You've not seen anything yet!' Seven days of warm weather training in Lanzarote and a full strength line-up in the final friendly match against Salford City Reds on January 30 should give Wolves supporters a clearer picture of the 2005 team's capabilities compared to the trial games against Widnes, Barrow and Whitehaven. Wolves' 24-nian Super League squad, coaches and medical assistants fly out to the Canary island today, Thursday, to add all-important further intensity to their preparations for the new Super League season, which starts at London Broncos on February 13. Head coach Paul Cullen has ruled out Chris Bridge joining the rest of his squad men in Lanzarote. The Bradford Bulls player had his necessary ankle clean-out operation on Tuesday and Warrington are now awaiting the 20-year-old being given an all-clear from the specialist so that his signing can be completed. Cullen said: "We'd like to think you will see a difference between the Whitehaven and Salford performances because of the training we will be able to do in Lanzarote. "The grounds are better there than they are here and the conditions will allow for a far more intense workout. "January is the speed phase of our conditioning work and the power phase of our weights. Sometimes it is quite difficult to do speed work when your boots are coming off because of ankle deep mud. "We now have what we have not had to the same level before, that is some very dynamic players who have a great turn of speed. "Henry Pa'afili, Brent Grose, Martin Gleeson, Toa Kohe-Love, Daryl Cardiss and Dean Gaskell are all exceptionally quick and get far more benefit from running on a fast track than tromping through the mud at our training grounds in Orford. "So in, Lanzarote we will be in a far better environment for conditioning and also for skills work." Great Britain international centre Martin Gleeson, rated the best in the world in his position by head coach Paul Cullen, is set to make his club debut against Salford along with New Zealand second row star Logan Swann. As long as all players are fully fit next weekend, the team is expected to be: Brent Grose; Henry Fa'afili, Martin Gleeson, Toa Kohe-Love, Dean Gaskell; Lee Briers, Nathan Wood; Chris Leikvoll, Jon Clarke, Mark Hilton, Logan Swann, Mike Wainwright, Paul Noone. Cullen said: "Last year, we didn't play a match straight after coming back from Lanzarote and I thought it just *" took the edge off our last few sessions while we were out there. "The year before, we did what we are doing this time. We returned on the Thursday and played London Broncos on the Sunday and hammered them at Wilderspool. "We're looking for that kind of intensity within our working week because we have the big game against Salford three days after we get back." As for the Bridge signing situation, Cullen said: "The operation to clean out his ankle was completed on Tuesday. "First indications are that all went well. The problem highlighted for correction has been found and corrected. "We'll wait now for the post-op procedure to be completed and the final consultation with the specialist. "We're in agreement with Bradford and the player and we'll simply pick up the negotiations as and when we receive full medical clearance. "As it is, he'll be signed on a three-year contract and the fee to Bradford is £30,000. That's the initial negotiation and we're not looking to alter any of those negotiation points. We believe we've got a good deal for a very good player." Cullen spoke highly of Bridge's abilities and the qualities he can bring to War-rington. He said: "I like the fact he has exceptional pace. He's one of the best goal kickers in the game and there's a toughness about him that really appeals to me. "At the minute, he's almost an unknown. He has occasionally played and contributed to the Bradford Bulls but we still think there is massive potential in him. "He's a stand off who covers the three-quarters. I certainly remember him playing on the wing against Warrington. "He skinned us and scored a fantastic try when we were beaten at Bradford in 2004 and he went in from 45 metres out."
WOLVES head coach Paul Cullen has hinted he may field Chris Bridge in the back row of the pack at some stage. This follows the previous week's announcement that centre Ben Westwood could spend some time in the back row this year too. Four back rowers, in the shape of Mike Forshaw, Dar-ren Burns, Jerome Guisset and lan Sibbit, left at the end of last season and New Zealand international Logan Swann is the only experienced hand to be brought in as replacement. Cullen has added to his squad 17-year-old second rower Andy Bracek from St Helens and 19-year-old loose forward Simon Grix from Halifax, both of whom played in the three pre-season friendlies so far. Cullen said: "I'm delighted with the form of Bracek and Grix. In them, we've got two back rowers with immense potential. "We've also spoken many times about Ben Harrison from Barrow. He is only 16 but took on a very experienced and tough Whitehaven side at the weekend and stood up to it. "Braek is only a school year above him and his potential is untapped. He's going to be a real contender for Warrington at some point. "Of course, Mike Wain-wright and Logan Swann are our two lead second rowers on the left and right sides of the field and there's Paul Noone in the number 13 shirt. "Pressure on them is going to come from Bracek and Grix. It possibly may come from Chris Bridge as and when he finds his fitness and his form once he's clear from his ankle injury. "We obviously made a public bid for Gareth Ellis before he joined Leeds from Wake-field and he's really the only one that has got away from us this year." Hooker Jon Clarke and front rower Paul Wood can also play in the back row for Warrington but look out for Westwood taking up the mantle too. Cullen said: "Benny Westwood looked very comfortable in the centre against Whitehaven but it is a consideration. "The work he is doing in the gym is immense. He is a very powerful athlete and doesn't mind the rough and tumble of life in the back row. "I converted from a half back to a three-quarter to a back rower, I know what it's about and I can see Benny having the physical ability and the mental toughness to be able to do that."
HEAD coach Paul Cullen described the 32-16 victory over Whitehaven in Sunday's scrappy and dour friendly as a worthwhile exercise for his men. Captain Lee Briers and forward Paul Wood completed successful returns to action, after closed-season reconstructive surgery. Teammates gained much-needed practice in combinations. The surprise was the depth of Wolves' defensive test as the 2004 National League Grand Finalists crossed for four tries and the final score was closer than many had expected prior to kick-off. Warrington's performance in front of 2,816 fans seemed to go downhill after taking a 16-4 lead inside 17 minutes. Cullen said his players became too casual with their handling after making breaks. Far too often the ball ended on the floor. He added: "Our first half completion rate was down to an all-time low of 33 per cent, which generally reflected the casual- ness we played with once we went through the line. "Once you're through the line you've got to finish off with a good kick and a good chase and grind some teams away. That's probably the only disappointment - we operated no grind at all. "We scored quite easily on set plays but didn't really work on the grind. That's the body of work we've got to create from now, through our warm weather training in Lanzarote and when we play Salford in our final friendly on January 30." One of the few highlights was Jon Clarke's first hat-trick of tries for the club, which took his total to five in the last two friendlies. The 25-year-old showed varying high qualities in scoring his touchdowns, having the strength to wrestle his way over from close range in the fifth minute, having the vision and pace to scoot home from 35 metres for his second and having the awareness and stamina to support Ben Westwood's break to finish off the best try in the second half. The former Wigan and London hooker said: "It's the first hat-trick of tries I've scored since playing under 11s age. I'll be happy to take some form into the start of Super League and score a couple then, when they matter. "I'm feeling confident. I've trained very hard, as have the rest of the lads, and I feel quite sharp. I'm now looking forward to having a couple -of really big weeks before the season starts." Wolves' other tries came from Westwood, Phil Berry and Danny Lima. Briers kicked four goals. Wolves: Brent Grose; Henry Fa'afili, Ben Westwood, Toa Kohe-Love, Phil Berry; Lee Briers, Graham Appo; Danny Lima, Jon Clarke, Warren Stevens, Andy Bracek, Mike Wainwright, Simon Grix. Subs used: Chris Hull, Craig Ashall, Ben Harrison, Paul Wood, Steve Pickersgill. Whitehaven: Gary Broadbent; Paul O'Neill, Danny Eilbeck, David Seeds, Craig Calvert; Steve Kirkbride, Craig Walsh; Mark Cox, Aaron Lester, David Fatialofa, Brett McDermott, Howard Hill, Mick Nanyn. Subs used: Aaron Summers, Jamie Seaton, Chris McKinney, Spencer Miller, Ryan Campbell, Carl Sice.
THERE has been an added bonus to Wolves' flair men hitting it off in training and it has delighted head coach Paul Cullen. In matches he focuses players' efforts on certain channels of the field and he has described the pre-season right-sided attacking work of Henry Fa'afili, Martin Gleeson, Logan Swann and Lee Briers as high quality. He added: "And this has brought out the best in our left side defence. "The left side plays the right side in certain aspects of the work that we do. The right four are looking very confident and that has challenged the left edge." Wolves' left sided workers in 2005 will be any combination of Ben Westwood, Brent Grose, Toa Kohe-Love, Dean Gaskell, Phil Berry, Mike Wainwright, Andy Bracek, Graham Appo and Nathan Wood. Cullen said: "Those players have responded and have to when the right hand side four are going against them. "I've been impressed and it's a joy to work with." Sourced Warrington Guardian
16th January. Warrington 32 Whitehaven 16. Jon Clarke grabbed a hat-trick of tries as the Wolves continued their build-up to the new Super League season with a 32-16 victory over Whitehaven at the Halliwell Jones Stadium. The Wolves were given a tough work-out by their National League opponents, who crossed for four tries and produced a spirited performance which suggests they will again be pressing for promotion after losing out to Leigh Centurions in last season's grand final. Warrington led 16-8 at halftime as Clarke crossed twice his second a superb 35-metre individual effort, and Ben Westwood also touched down with Lee Briers kicking two conversions. Whitehaven's first-half points came from tries by Howard Hill and Paul O'Neil. The Wolves stretched their advantage to 32-8 after the interval as Clarke completed his hat-trick, and Phil Berry and Danny Lima also crossed, with Briers adding two further goals. Whitehaven finished two tries in the final nine minutes as David Seeds and Steve Kirkbride touched down - but the Cumbrians failed to convert any of their tries. Warrington will complete their warm-up games against Salford on January the 30th before travelling to London on the opening weekend of Super League on February 13 .Attn 2,816
14th January. Ex wire player Mike Gregory has declined the offer of the match between Wire and Salford being a benefit for him, Mike who was recently the coach at Wigan Warriors has a muscle wasting disease which has resulted in him being unable to do his job.
13th January. WARRINGTON Wolves' bid to sign Academy international stand off Chris Bridge has stalled ahead of Sunday's friendly against Whitehaven at The Halliwell Jones Stadium. Wolves agreed personal terms with Bridge and a transfer fee with his club Bradford Bulls last week but the 20-year-old's independent medical examination has thrown up a stumbling block. Wolves head coach Paul Cullen said: "The medical has identified a concern with his ankle, which requires a clear-out operation called an arthroscopy. Once that's been completed and we are medically satisfied that there is no long term damage or long term threat to his ankle, then we'll pick up with Bradford the thread that was put on hold over the weekend." Preparations for the new season continue in the friendly against Cullen's former club and in a strong side named for the 3pm kick-off there will be first appearances of the warm-up campaign for captain Lee Briers, New Zealand international Henry Fa'afili, Darryl Cardiss, Paul Wood and Warren Stevens. On Tuesday, Wood, along with Mark Gleeson, who has also had his shoulder reconstructed, received their all-clear to return to action but Gleeson is to spend extra time building up his body weight before pulling on the primrose and blue jersey again. Team to face the 2004 National League One Grand Final runners-up: Darryl Cardiss; Henry Fa'afili, Brent Grose, Toa Kohe-Love, Dean Gaskell; Graham Appo, Lee Briers; Danny Lima, Jon Clarke, Chris Leikvoll, Andy Bracek, Mike Wainwright, Simon Grix. Substitutes: Phil Berry, Ben Westwood, Steve Pickersgill, Warren Stevens, Paul Wood. Cullen has revealed that he is contemplating fielding England centre Westwood in the second row at some stage this season and he could start there against Whitehaven if Wainwright or Bracek have not recovered sufficiently from flu. Westwood has trained in the second row as well as in the centres and on the wings during pre-season. Meanwhile, Paul Noone's eye injury continues to improve and he will return to training on Monday and then fly out to Lan-zarote next Thursday for a training camp with the rest of the 24-man squad and is expected to play in Warrington's final warm up match against Salford on January 30.
MANY Rugby League players would be gutted if moneybags Wigan Warriors backed out of signing them at the eleventh hour but for Nathan Wood it was somewhat of a relief. For it has paved the way for the hard working Aussie half back to end his career at his beloved Warrington Wolves. Wood is contemplating bring ing his playing days to a close at the end of the season and he has goose bumps thinking about being given a rapturous send off from the barmy army. He was in tears seeing the likes of Jerome Guisset and Darren Burns waving goodbye to their Wolves careers after the final home game of Super League IX and the 31-year-old would have been denied that moment of magic had Wigan not backed out of a close season swoop. it Wood said: "I never wanted to leave Warrington and I am genuinely glad that I'm still here, "I have great mates here, I love the fans and I get the impression that they love me." He added: "Forget all the speculation last year about me joining Wigan, I am still totally committed to Warrington Wolves. "This may be my last season playing rugby and I'm going to be busting my guts to make it a special one. "I always give my all but this year I'm going to be trying harder than ever. Finishing my career at Warrington is a nice thought. And if I do end up playing beyond this year I definitely want to be still playing at Warrington." Wood was so close to signing for Wigan that he sent text messages to Warrington players to announce his departure. But the deal was bamboozled by an outcry from Wigan's fans, who were concerned about Wood's age. The revolt convinced Maurice Lindsay to perform a U-turn and Wood is determined to make the Wigan chairman pay for being so easily swayed. He has a history of good performances against the Warriors and his hat-trick against them at The Halliwell Jones Stadium is believed to have heightened Lindsay's interest. Wood jumped over the advertisement hoardings and ran out of an exit after scoring his second try. The joker in Wolves' pack said at the time that he went for a hot dog but, as things turned out, he ended up with a retracted Wigan offer and heartache. Wood said: "At the end of last season I wanted a one-year extension to my contract which would have kept me at Warrington for another two years. "But because of my age Warrington weren't prepared to offer me that. They wanted to see how I perform this season and take things from there and that is perfectly understandable. "At the time, I had offers to go back to Australia with Souths and then it became apparent that there were clubs in England which were interested in giving me a two-year deal. I had to look at what was best for my future and for the future of my family. "Wigan made it clear that they wanted me and I left things in the hands of my manager at that time. "There were different stories coming out about me and I was' the piggy-in-the-middle. "I spoke to Paul Cullen (Warrington's coach) at great length and I told him that I didn't want to leave. "He didn't want me to go either and so things have turned but for the best. "Wigan changed their minds about wanting me at the very last minute and I'm now glad that they did." Wood is renowned for playing practical jokes on his teammates and he was given a taste of his own medicine when he arrived back in Warrington this week after spending the off-season, Christmas and New Year down under. His Warrington home was littered with references to Wigan, including Warriors posters and 'Judas' graffiti. Wood said: "There were 'Judas sits here' signs on all of the chairs at my house. I appreciate the joke but there are certain players at Warrington who are going to regret drawing first blood on me. They can expect me to be jumping out of wardrobes at them in the middle of the night." Wood is delighted to be back among the dressing room banter and he has been impressed with the standards shown in training. He said: "The club gets more and more professional every year and the squad is looking a lot stronger in training. "There is a much more strength in depth now. The players from last year^have more experience under their belt and we have made some good signings. Our aim has got to be to win some silverware." Source Dave Lawrenson Warrington Guardian.
12th January. Coach Paul Cullen has named his squad to face his former team Whitehaven on their first visit to the Halliwell Jones Stadium on Sunday 16th January 2005, kick off 3:00pm. Lee Briers returns to playing action following surgery on his injured finger in October. New aquisitions Simon Grix, Andy Bracek and Toa Kohe Love are also included. The squad in full is: Darryl Cardiss, Henry Fa’afili, Brent Grose, Toa Kohe Love, Dean Gaskell, Graham Appo, Lee Briers (C), Chris Leikvoll, Jon Clarke, Danny Lima, Mike Wainwright, Andrew Bracek, Simon Grix, Phil Berry, Ben Westwood, Paul Wood, Steve Pickersgill, Warren Stevens.
6th January . WOLVES continue to strive to bring the country's top youth talent to The Halliwell Jones Stadium. Bradford Bulls' promising stand off Chris Bridge is the latest quality act to take Paul Cullen's interest. After a long and patient chase by Warrington, Bulls are finally prepared to sell the 20-year-old for an undisclosed fee. Wolves are also delighted to have agreed terms with the player yesterday, Wednesday. Bridge's signing is not yet complete as it is subject to a" medical examination tonight, Thursday. Warrington are gaining a reputation for snapping up hot property from rival clubs as they bridge the gap of several years passing by without enough young talent coming off their own production line - something which the club is putting right for years to come. Bridge is set to join three other England Academy international players at Wolves during their festive season friendlies. Steve Pickersgill is also impressing after moving up through the Warrington ranks. Wolves' bid to capture Bridge is a further indication of the club's ambitions to become one of the game's formidable forces on a consistent basis. It is considered that Bridge will be able to build at Warrington on an outstanding start to his career. He should have no trouble settling in as he knows Toa Kohe-Love and Logan Swann from their time at Bradford. The former Oldham-based amateur, who made 14 appearances for Bradford last year, is an under 21s Grand Final man of the match winner with Bradford and a slayer of the mighty Australian Schoolboys from his spell with England Academy. He has great pace, vision and versatility. Stand off is his preferred slot but the six-footer can also operate at scrum half, hooker and in the three-quarters. This week's moves for Bridge come after Cullen declaring that the pre-season preparations are on track following friendly matches against Barrow Raiders and Widnes Vikings. He said: "We got out of the festive period exactly what we wanted. We gave some of our senior players a run out and we had a look at some of the combinations that will be available to us next season." Source Mike Parsons Warrington Guardian.
Wolves head coach Paul Cullen breathed a huge sigh of relief this week amid the news that Paul Noone should be fit for the start of the season. Cullen has earmarked Noone as his first choice loose forward following Mike Forshaw's retirement. But Noone suffered a nasty eye injury in a 'freak' collision with David Mills' shoulder in Wolves' festive friendly with Widnes. The resultant bleeding and loss of vision has put paid to his hopes of taking part in Wolves' forthcoming friendlies with Whitehaven and Salford. But the injury is not as bad as first feared and Noone should be available for selection in Wolves' Super League opener at London. Head coach Paul Cullen, who has reported a clean bill of health from Sunday's 12-try rout against Barrow, said: "There's good news on Paul Noone and the news gets better by the day. "We were worried that there was a bleed at the back of his eye but fortunately it actually came from the front of the eye around the pupil. "It's settling down and his vision is coming back."
2nd January . Wire beat Barrow 64-6 at the Halliwell Jones Stadium .Graham Appo scores 3 as Wire run away with thegame against 1st Division Barrow, the score was never really in doubt but it was a good run out for the Wire .Jon Clarke and Danny Lima scored twice whilst Dean Gaskell, Brent Grose, Toa Koe Love, Chris Riley and Craig Ashall also scored: Warrington .1 Brent Grose 2 Phil Berry 3 Toa Kohe-Love 4 Ben Westwood 5 Dean Gaskell 6 Graham Appo 7 Chris Hull 8 Chris Leikvoll 9 Jon Clarke 10 DannyLima 11 Andy Bracek 12MikeWainwright(C) 13 Simon Grix Subs 14 Chris Riley 15 Danny Owens 16 Craig Ashall 17 Mike Johnson 18 Steve Pickersgill 19JohnPickersgill 20 Matty Bryers 21 Chris Baines 22 Ben Harrison . Barrow 1 Danny Lockhart 2 Nick Beech 3 Paul Jones 4 Frederic Zitter 5 Jason Roach 6 Phil Atkinson 7 Richard Colley 8 Stuart Dancer 9 Chris Archer 10 Paul Wilcock 11 Michael Whitehead 12 Kieran Hersnip 13 Barry Pugh Subs 14 Simon Knox 15 Andy Fisher 16 Jonathan Williamson 17 James Nixon 18 Jordan Herdman 19 Gareth Knowles 20 Joe McKenna 21 Adam Pate 22 Danny Caugan 23 Jamie Butler .Scores, Warrington: Tries: Appo (16, 25, 55), Lima (20, 34), Clarke (28, 49), Gaskell (38), Grose (44), Ashall (59), Kohe-Love (68), Riley (70) Goals: Hull 2/4, Ashall 6/8 .Barrow: Try: Zitter(6) Goal: Beech 1/1 Attd 2,022
1st JanuaryTHE start of an important year for Paul Noone has been cruelly hit by injury and he was one of four Wolves players spending time in hospital yesterday, Wednesday. Noone, who is earmarked to replace Mike Forshaw at loose forward in 2005, suffered a concerning bleeding to the back of his eye in the 12-6 friendly defeat to his hometown club Widnes Vikings on Tuesday. Academy half back Jamie Durbin and centre Anthony Jerram broke hands in the game, which is disappointing news for them as the new season approaches, but yesterday's x-rays cleared fears of a break to Andy Bracek's arm. Noone took a blow 30 minutes into the Widnes game and was on his way to hospital with a patch over his eye before the second half had started. The 23-year-old was allowed home on Tuesday night but had a date with an eye specialist at Warrington Hospital yesterday morning as Warrington Guardian went to press. Head coach Paul Cullen said: "He has gone back for a scan. First indications are that there is no fracture to his cheekbone or eye socket. That is the good news but there is concern to a bleed in his eye which initially affected his vision." Noone, who was sidelined for the last 10 games of Super League DC with a hairline fracture of a fibula, has worked hard in pre-season training so far in preparation for a crunch year ahead. Forshaw's boots are a big pair to fill but Noone has been handed the Nol3 squad jersey and has a key role to play in Super League X, specially as four other back rowers' spells with Wolves came to an end in September. Forshaw and Darren Burns retired while Jerome Guisset and lan Sibbit were released. The remaining back rowers in the squad with Super League experience are newcomer Logan Swann, Mike Wainwright and Paul Wood. Regular hooker Jon Clarke has played in the back row too. However, Wolves' young full time forwards were highly impressive in the way they handled Widnes' seasoned international campaigners like Terry O'Connor, Julian O'Neill and Mick Cassidy at The Halliwell Jones Stadium two days ago. Powerfully built 18-year-old Bracek, who Wolves bought off St Helens for £22,500 in the close-season, stood out with his bullocking bursts and aggressive defence but his fellow England Academy internationals, 19-year-old Simon Grix and 18-year-old Steve Pickers-gill, also shone. Grix, who Wolves snapped up from Halifax, played at half back against Widnes but prefers the loose forward's role. Cullen, who was pleased with the performances of Wolves' Academy pJayers as well as his new full time youngsters, said: "I thought Steve Pickersgill was outstanding going forward against a very big Widnes pack and both Andy Bracek and Simon Grix showed that they can justify the interest that we've shown in them." Grix, while playing at half back, held some responsibility in maintaining the team's shape and structure against Widnes and Cullen felt he handled the work.well. Cullen added: "I was very pleased about the way that he went forward. It was very controlled and we nearly came up with a couple of plays on the end of it." Grix enjoyed his first Halliwell Jones Stadium experience although he was not too happy with his second half display. He said: "In the first half I thought I got into the game quite well but in the second half my kicks weren't going right or passes weren't coming. However, I did enjoy it and it was a good game considering we had a young side out there and Widnes fielded such an experienced one. "Everyone in the Warrington team wanted to impress, specially the young players and I hope I made a decent impression. There was a lot of enthusiasm from the team and that showed in the amount of defending that we did. We kept Widnes out for a long time in that first half." Mike Parsons Warrington Guardian.
Wolves will continue to field a blend of youth and experience in their next friendly against Barrow at The Halliwell Jones Stadium on Sunday. Additions are expected to the squad which faced Widnes and head coach Paul Cullen said he could draw from the experienced players who sat out Tuesday's friendly or from the Academy ranks. Wolves are hoping Graham Appo will have recovered from flu and Darryl Cardiss will have shook off a slight hamstring niggle in order to be able to play in the clash that kicks off at 3pm. Paul Noone is not expected to feature because of an eye injury while Toa Kohe-Love and Mike Wainwright hope to recover in time from minor head injuries. Hooker Jon Clarke and centre Ben Westwood will be available despite being placed on report for their part in a second half brawl against Widnes. The Rugby Football League executives will not review the incident until January 6 and if either player has a case to answer the disciplinary hearing will be on January 11. Head coach Paul Cullen said: "The vast majority of the squad against Widnes will play against Barrow. "We had a starting 13 sat in the stand when we played Widnes but that's reflective of the time of the season and there's no dramas with that situation. "The Super League isn't won and lost on Boxing Day. "There were 13 teenagers in the 20 against Widnes and I thought we got an awful lot out of the game. "The Academy players that took on the challenge went exceptionally well and I'm very pleased that they took on what was a very strong and very experienced Widnes side and didn't back down. "And I thought it was more of a test for us than Widnes with the way that the teams lined up but I'm quite happy to do that at this stage of the year. "The value we get from putting these young players through this experience will be of benefit in the season to come." The match with Barrow is the Willie Home/Brian Bevan Memorial game and in that respect is designed to honour each club's most famous player. Wolves' wing wizard of Oz Bevan remains the world's record try scorer while stand off Home skippered Barrow to challenge Cup success in 1955 and Great Britain to Ashes glory over Australia in 1952. The Cumbrians come to town after having gained promotion to National League One for the 2005 season. Barrow coach Peter Roe is expected to field some of his close season signings. The former Wakefield chief has been a busy bee in the transfer market since leading Barrow to National League Two championship glory last season. His pre-season signings include Leigh forward Simon Knox, London Skolars full back Joel Osborn and Bradford Bulls Academy full back Richard Coley. They have also snapped up Frenchman Freddy Zittler and Australian Joel Osborn. Warrington Guardian.